Atlanta United announced on Friday that Chris McCann will miss around three weeks after suffering left quad strain in the team's last game, a 4-1 loss at Toronto FC last week.
McCann, 31, has been a versatile contributor for Atlanta United the past two seasons. This year, he played in 22 games in MLS regular season play (21 starts), playing primarily across the defense but also stepping in to play in the midfield at times. The Ireland native has played a total of 46 games to date for Atlanta in regular season and postseason play.
Atlanta begin their Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs journey on Sunday, when they face NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals first leg at Yankee Stadium (7:30 pm ET | FS1, TSN5, TVAS2). With McCann sidelined for the series, head coach Tata Martino will have a decision to make on the left flank of his formation. The Irishman has started every game but two at left back/wingback since July 15. With Mikey Ambrose also injured, his options are either Greg Garza or George Bello.
Garza made his return on Sunday, subbing on for the injured McCann, after a five-month absence due to shoulder surgery. The 2017 MLS All-Star's fitness and ability to play 90 minutes has to be a question. Bello made two starts in McCann's place over the last five weeks, helping the Five Stripes to two wins while providing a goal, but the 16-year-old's inexperience will give his coach pause before putting him in the starting XI.
